Preaching with Relevance (Preaching With Series) [Paperback]

Keith Willhite (Author)

Book Description

Series: Preaching With Series | Publication Date: June 30, 2001

Clear communication of the relevance of the biblical text to contemporary culture is the responsibility of the pastor. Keith Willhite offers strategies for exegetically solid and culturally apt sermon preperation. (20040603)

Editorial Reviews

Review

This short, very readable book stimulates sound thinking on how to 'package' biblical truth in a way that is most likely to communicate effectively to our hearers. (Vox Reformata )

Willhite, an EHS founding father, is an expert on the subject of relevance in expository preaching. . . . A particular strength of Willhite's book are the many charts and models that guide the reader through the author's thinking. (Evangelical Homiletics )

. . . a cookbook for preachers who want sermons that are more filling and still taste great. (Michael Duduit Preaching )

[Preaching with Relevance] is a practical volume and an enjoyable read that will be helpful to anyone who preaches. (Preaching Magazine )

From the Back Cover

“People just don’t seem to want to listen to good, solid Bible preaching. Yet they crave the things that only the Bible can give them.”—from the Introduction

And so the battle rages in the heart of every pastor who longs to teach the deep truths of God’s Word to a needy congregation, yet finds them reluctant to listen. Must the pastor sacrifice solid biblical preaching in order to be relevant?

No, says veteran pastor and teacher of pastors, Keith Willhite. The pastor must preach biblically AND relevantly. Relevance is inherent in the text—God took care of that—but clear communication of relevance in contemporary culture is the responsibility of the pastor. Without lowering the standard on exegetical and expository content, Willhite offers ten strategies for crafting and presenting sermons that will help listeners understand the meaning of the passage, affirm the sermon’s homiletical message, and apply God’s truth.

“If you want to be relevant without being biblical, no problem. Or if you want to be biblical, but not relevant, no problem. But the preacher’s task is to be both biblical and relevant. Finally, this book offers strategies on how to do it.”

—Howard G. Hendricks

Keith Willhite (Ph.D. in communications, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.; Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary) is “an ordinary guy who stands up in front of people and tells them where to go,” at least according to his daughter when she was three. Keith teaches preaching and communications at Dallas Theological Seminary, where he serves as Chairman and Professor of Pastoral Ministries. Prior to teaching, Keith spent 10 years in the pastorate. He and his wife, Denise, live in Texas with their two children.

(20040603)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Academic & Professional (June 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825441145
• ISBN-13: 978-0825441141
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #752,586 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Relevant Without Compromising God's Word, March 16, 2004

By 

Michael Taylor "Michael Taylor" (Indian Trail NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Preaching with Relevance (Preaching With Series) (Paperback)

Willhite has written an excellent book on how to preach relevant sermons and Bible study lessons without watering down God's Word.

Among the points Willhite covers include:

1. When preparing sermons and lessons, prepare and present from the perspective of the pew instead of the pulpit.
2. Principles of using an interesting introduction to provide structure for your sermon or lesson.
3. Excellent notes on using proper exegesis, theology, and homiletics with God's Word.
4. Every expository sermon should stick to one main point - God created the human mind to desire unity.
5. Ask a good question then build the sermon or lesson around the question and to a conclusion.
6. Strategic uses of story-telling in a sermon.
7. Excellent principles for using illustrations.
8. Speak with clarity! Use transitions correctly.

A highly recommended read for those who seek to improve a sermon or Bible study!